Chariho had, by far, its best season in the program’s six-year history. The Chargers posted a 9-4 overall mark (8-3 Division III-South). The Chargers lost to undefeated Narragansett in the semifinal round of the Division III tournament.

The Chargers have a lot of talent returning for the 2014 campaign but they also lost a number of key players to graduation.

Russell led Chariho with 57 goals and earned first-team Division III honors in the process in her senior year. Baker (23 goals) and Carrier (defensive midfielder) also earned first-team Division III-South honors and both graduated.

“I feel like we should be okay offensively,” Chariho coach Michelle Tebbets said. “We Jenna (Brierly) and Paige (Pajarillo) back and we have some younger girls like Maisie Jones who I think should be able to step in and contribute quickly.”

Tebbets said she was more concerned with her defense, especially with the loss of All-Class goaltender Kaitlin Dolloff (graduation).

“Maddie Newman looks good and she’s done incredible work in the offseason (in goal) but I don’t want to put too much on her too early so I’m hoping we can be solid in front of her on the defensive end.”

Senior captain Manning will anchor the defense.

Tebbets said Pilgrim will likely be Chariho’s main competition in the four-team Division III-South with Narragansett having moved up to Division II.

Coach’s take:

“The girls want the state title in Division III. Before the season started I was thinking top three or four in all of Division III but I think if the girls really work at it they do have a good shot at (winning a state championship).

“I’m always optimistic every year but I really do feel like we’ve built a good team here.”